Your Position: Home - Timber - How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam?
The average cost to install an LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beam in a home is approximately $2,500. However, prices can vary widely—from $500 up to $6,000—depending on factors such as the size of the beam, its location in your home, and the complexity of the installation. Typically, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 per linear foot, which includes both materials and labor.
The size of your LVL beam plays the biggest role in installation costs. Longer and thicker beams require more materials and labor, thus increasing expenses. Homeowners often choose LVL beams to create open-concept living spaces by eliminating vertical supports. The longer the span you desire without support, the thicker your beam needs to be. Residential LVL beams can span 20 to 30 feet.
| Span Goal (Linear Feet) | Beam Dimensions (Inches) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2x6 | $500 – $2,000 |
| 12 | 2x8 | $600 – $2,400 |
| 15 | 4x10 | $800 – $3,000 |
| 20 | 4x12 | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| 25 | 4x15 | $1,250 – $5,000 |
| 30 | 4x16 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
LVL beams are critical structural components that require proper design and approval. Hiring a licensed structural engineer is essential to:
Design the beam and verify its dimensions
Ensure it supports the load safely
The average cost to hire a structural engineer for this project is around $550, ranging from $350 to $800 depending on beam size and any additional structural work needed.
A licensed general contractor will handle the beam’s installation. Their fees usually range from $40 to $190 per linear foot, often making up 80% to 95% of the total project cost. The average combined cost of materials and labor is about $2,500, but this can vary with beam length, demolition needs, and finishing work.
Removing load-bearing walls or supports may require rerouting electrical wiring and plumbing lines:
Electricians charge between $50 and $130 per hour, averaging about $350 for relocating outlets and switches.
Plumbers charge $45 to $200 per hour, with total costs around $400 for moving supply and drain lines.
Include these costs if your project involves such work.
Labor rates influence costs based on your location, reflecting local living expenses. Here are average LVL beam installation costs by state:
| State | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| California | $3,580 |
| New York | $3,090 |
| Florida | $2,560 |
| North Carolina | $2,440 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,380 |
| Illinois | $2,370 |
| Ohio | $2,350 |
| Texas | $2,290 |
| Georgia | $2,270 |
| Michigan | $2,270 |
Some extra expenses to keep in mind:
Permits: Typically $100 to $500 for structural alterations.
Build-back: Repairing walls, ceilings, and floors after installation can cost $400 to $2,000, unless you DIY.
Foundation reinforcement: Additional supports or piers may be needed to bear redistributed loads, costing $1,000 to $3,000 per pier plus inspection fees.
While labor makes up most of the cost and DIY may seem tempting, LVL beam installation is a complex and high-risk structural job. It is usually illegal to do yourself without proper permits and professional oversight. Mistakes can cause severe injury, structural damage, or collapse. It’s strongly advised to hire licensed and insured professionals for this work.
If your LVL beam is damaged, you may consider repair or replacement:
Replacement costs range from $50 to $200 per linear foot.
Repair or reinforcement is cheaper but may involve adding a support wall that changes your floor plan.
Replacing often provides better long-term value and peace of mind, especially when the beam is easy to access. Always address the cause of damage to prevent recurrence.
To reduce costs, consider:
DIY build-back work like drywall patching and flooring.
Hiring a structural engineer who also installs, possibly lowering labor fees.
Exploring alternatives such as solid lumber with vertical supports or glulam beams, which cost less but don’t span as far as LVL beams.
Yes, LVL beams often increase home value by enabling wider open spaces without vertical supports—highly desirable for modern open floor plans. Expect an 80% to 90% return on investment for installing LVL beams.
For even greater openness, consider steel I-beams, which span longer distances but cost more.
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